LOS ANGELES — In the wake of recent high-profile immigration enforcement incidents, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly called upon the federal government to provide explicit assurances to international visitors attending the upcoming World Cup. The mayor’s appeal comes just days after disturbing images circulated globally showing federal immigration agents fatally shooting a second individual in Minneapolis.
With the United States set to co-host this summer’s premier football event alongside Canada and Mexico, growing apprehensions have emerged among potential overseas attendees. These concerns primarily center around the possibility of visitors becoming entangled in President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies, which have frequently drawn international criticism for their aggressive implementation.
“Our nation must present a more welcoming visage to the global community,” Mayor Bass asserted. “We need to demonstrate that visitors will be received hospitably and won’t encounter immigration complications during their stay.”
While expressing confidence that sports enthusiasts visiting Los Angeles for either the World Cup or the 2028 Summer Olympics would remain unaffected by direct immigration enforcement, Bass emphasized that reassurance must originate from the highest levels of government. “This message necessarily must emanate from the White House itself,” she clarified. “They bear the responsibility of disseminating this assurance.”
Recent weeks have witnessed intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement tactics following two point-blank shootings of Minneapolis protesters by immigration agents. Among the victims was Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse who sustained multiple gunshot wounds after being subdued by camouflage-clad officers.
The deployment of federal immigration agents has expanded to several major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles—scheduled to host eight World Cup matches featuring the host nation’s opening game and a quarterfinal encounter.
President Trump’s association with the tournament has deepened through his attendance at the official draw ceremony, where he received FIFA’s symbolic peace recognition. Ross McCall, FIFA’s executive director for commercial operations, confirmed the organization maintains “continuous dialogue” with the current administration, noting universal motivation to ensure the World Cup achieves maximum safety and inclusiveness.
Concurrently, Los Angeles officials have announced comprehensive fan engagement initiatives, including designated zones with live broadcasts and celebratory activities throughout the region. These venues will incorporate iconic locations such as the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—a 78,000-capacity stadium that previously hosted two Olympic Games—and the internationally renowned Venice Beach.
The developments coincide with reports that a specialized division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will deploy personnel in an advisory capacity for next month’s Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, according to U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman J Fertitta.
Reflecting on these coordinated security preparations, Mayor Bass expressed grave concern: “The imagery is profoundly alarming. This transmits an intimidating message to the international community.”